There was something about this semester that came together substantially. The season of life I find myself in has solidified a kingdom mindset within me and opened my eyes to how others perceive words and actions. Leadership lessons work together to create a style that is all your own, yet the basic principles and obstacles are the same for everyone. The primary thoughts we covered were setting others before self, leading with influence, maintaining proper motives, and dealing with offenses. In this assignment, I will identify the concepts I have learned and how I am applying these ideas to add value to others.
In the first class, we discussed how to set others before ourselves. Like it or not, people make up the kingdom of God. If we are to grow God’s kingdom successfully, we must act in a way that will entice others to follow the daily principles that attract people to the church in the first place. Stan Gleason maintains, “you cannot ask for commitment from someone until you added value to him or her.” (Wilson, p84) Everyone enjoys feeling a sense of accomplishment and need. There are so many opportunities in the church to get involved and recognize an individual’s contribution. Aesop, a slave and storyteller who lived in ancient Greece, stated, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (brainyquote.com) The opposite holds also; a word delivered without thought, a quip, or a sarcastic remark can devastate a person and turn their countenance from openness to bitterness in the flick of a tongue. Proverbs 18:21 reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:” (KJV). How can we position ourselves to achieve the best outcome with a life in the balance? First, we must understand that not all people are the same. The more we know about a person, the better we can relate to an individual. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “know them which labour among you…esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” Secondly, ask yourself how you would want to be treated. Thirdly and most importantly, use encouraging words. Brother Daniel Stroebel stated, “Misunderstanding can cause loneliness, frustration, and resentment.”
Jesus went to the cross for all people, and we owe it to him to be diligent in our dealings with those He loves; we are fortunate to be counted among them. “In a survey of over 40,000 employees, Miller and Cangemi found the top three needs [to stimulate creativity] were (1) full appreciation for work done, (2) feeling included, and (3) sympathetic help with personal matters. In other words, the climate conducive for generating creativity and innovation within an organization is one in which people feel appreciated, cared for, and whose thoughts and opinions matter and are sought after.” (Wilson, p150) I have witnessed several leadership styles, and one that embraces ideas and looses vanguards seems to be at the forefront of a successful, thriving membership.
Another avenue for improving relationships is to develop your communication skills. I have recently finished reading The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message by John C. Maxwell. I purchased the audiobook, but there is so much great content, I have also ordered the hardback version for my home library. John writes, “People want to be engaged, inspired, instructed, and entertained! To become the best version of yourself as a communicator, you must start with your strengths, use your talent, and add skills, knowledge, and practice to the mix. Those factors will become multipliers to your communication.” I hope to continue my progress in this area, ensure the words I use are clear and easily understood, and compassionately communicate that the kingdom cares, and so do I.
In the next class, we dissected the influence we can have on others. While it tied into our first class, this deep dive into leadership influence set itself apart in many ways. Interacting and influencing people is an everyday occurrence in leadership that may go on without thought. Revival can depend on our influence on those around us; it is a choice. I enjoyed the concept of the “Lake-Model vs. River-Model (Wilson, pp27-28) in the required reading, Realign. The thought behind each model depends on our outlook and the response of those we attempt to influence. The Lake-Model is numbers-based and packs a lot of folks into an area for a time. “Success is determined by the number of attendees, not by what happened to those who participated or attended.” In the River-Model, the focus is on helping individuals move from point A to point B. A river-model is focused on developmental growth of others. It is focused on helping people change.” “When you go swimming in a river, you always get out somewhere down the river.”
We are helping develop young couples through our Sunday school class. They do not always appear polished; we have had some parents address things that come up from time to time, and time management could always improve, but they are there every week and are exposed to ministry. I make it a point to listen to new ideas they have and not dismiss them immediately. Watching them grow and discover their ministry style is a delight!
Moving forward, I can improve my influence on others by minimizing hindrances, such as pride, insecurity, moodiness, perfectionism, over-sensitivity, and negativism. Pastor Kinsey helped show us how to defeat areas we struggle with and supernaturally build positive momentum: “(1) Build CHARISMA – Concern, Help, Action, Results, Influence, Sensitivity, Motivation, Affirmation, (2) Find your Joy in magnifying Jesus! (3) Listen to the inner voice of God speaking to you and not to the offending words of others.” “If a leader is unable to generate trust, he will struggle with leading others. A person might have great skills and talents, but if he lacks integrity, if he is not honest, if he cannot be trusted, people will shy away from following him.” (Wilson, p73) “If you can convince people that you love them, you can just about teach them anything you want.” (Kinsey)
(To be continued.)